Northern Ireland 2-0 Belarus: Ruairi McConville eyes long NI career after debut

The highly regarded Brighton youngster is currently captain of the Northern Ireland Under-19 team but missed this summer’s home European Championship through injury.

His call-up to the senior squad came after hamstring injuries prevented the inclusion of Paddy McNair and Eoin Toal, and with fellow defender Ciaron Brown suspended for Monday’s final group game against Luxembourg, McConville could be in line for a first start in the senior team.

“I’ve always been ready,” McConville said.

“I have always been working to try to take advantage of this opportunity and I am grateful that it has come.

“I’ve put my head down and I hope there are many more opportunities.”

The victory over Belarus was the first time Northern Ireland had named a starting XI that did not include a single player from their last major tournament appearance in 2016.

O’Neill’s side have a new core of young players with only two members of the current squad over the age of 30.

“That’s what gives us the excitement that one day we can get into this team,” McConville said when asked about the younger players who will get a chance in the senior set-up.

“Now that I’ve sniffed it out, I’m going to want to try to stay in the group.

“There’s a lot of excitement and we’re all working hard. We all know what we’re trying to do and first of all, we’re trying to lead this group, and tonight we showed that’s us.” You are capable of doing it.”